Found Bird, not sure if its hurt? help?

Question

So i walked outside today on my driveway and found a sparrow-looking bird.

http://wanamassa.us/birds2006/images/PICT0755SongSparrow.jpg

The bird did not attempt to fly away, so i'm no sure if it's a baby bird, Or an adult bird that is Hurt. I looked at the bird and did not find any visible injuries, but whenever move my hands up and down to get it to fludder, it seems to cringe up its body and tighten its muscles. it bends its head backwards real far, and sometimes turns its neck in odd angles, and a lot of the time, lays on its stomach in the little nest i made. i tried to see if it might pirch on my finger but it doesn't, it seems tired or injured, I'm not sure. Any ideas what i can do? I don't just want to lay it in the yard, so is there any home food thats birds can eat? all i have is some cheese laying in this small plant pot with grass where the bird is right now, What do i do? Please help

Answer 1

Birds can turn their heads pretty far. Some birds of prey can go as far as 270 degrees.  It is not uncommon, but it is a bit freaky, to have it seem like it is looking backwards.

In terms of what to feed it, worms are a good idea.  You could also leave a bit of water.  The advise of the dark box is good.  I would add heat, for two reasons.  The first is that if the bird is injured, and in shock, you want heat.  The second is that the evenings are getting chilly (probably not necessary, but it makes me feel good!).  We use those thermacare heat back heating wraps, wrapped in a towel.  They stay warm for  8-10 hours.

If your bird is injured, then leave him alone and let him recover.  If you keep him outside, the box will have to be protected from raccoons, etc.  If he is in shock, we just give him heat, worms, water and leave him on the patio table under the umbrella (during the day).  Most of the time, he leaves sometime during the day.

Good luck!  We live in the woods so we've had all sorts of crazy critters crawl our way.

Answer 2

If it's an injured adult you could put it in a warm dark box and it may recover. I suppose you could dig it up some worms but it might just need somewhere it can recuperate quietly. Make sure it has water it can drink.  

Answer 3

Is that the bird in the picture? It doesn't look hurt and yes it does appear to be a sparrow. It looks like an adult. Maybe it was raised by humans and set free. Will it drink water offered in a cup? Sparrows need protein so some dog or cat food would be good for it, you'll need to either soak some kibble or crumble it up finely.

If you think it is injured and won't be able to fly away, you'll need to find a wildlife rehabber near you and try to get the bird there.

Addition: Sorry to hear that. It was probably cat or dog bitten. Poor thing.